McDowell Technical Community College’s Small Business Center recently celebrated the successful completion of its first cohort of the Accelerate and Innovate Bootcamp (AIM), a six-week entrepreneurial training program designed to help aspiring and existing business owners turn ideas into sustainable ventures.
Partnership with the University of Notre Dame
The AIM program is made possible through a partnership with the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI) at the University of Notre Dame. McDowell Technical Community College is the first community college and the first partner in North Carolina to implement this model.
UPBI provides a structured, step-by-step framework focused on practical skill development and long-term engagement. The initiative is built on the belief that entrepreneurship can create financial independence, build confidence, and strengthen families and communities through sustainable business ownership.
Through the partnership, AIM participants may also be eligible for recognition and potential funding awards provided through UPBI and partner organizations.
Building Businesses with Limited Resources
The Accelerate and Innovate Bootcamp is designed for individuals who have strong business ideas but limited access to capital, education, or professional networks. Participants learn how to:
- Start and operate a business with little or no capital
- Develop a strong brand and marketing strategy
- Manage finances and pricing effectively
- Move from concept to action through structured, step-by-step guidance
The program includes workbooks and materials, one-on-one mentoring, business consulting support, networking opportunities, and a certificate of completion. Participants work through the first phase of an 80-step pathway to long-term business sustainability and continue progressing with ongoing support and progress tracking.
After completing the bootcamp, participants may request a volunteer business mentor and receive assistance from McDowell Tech student consultants. These consultants can help with projects such as bookkeeping systems, marketing plans, website development, branding, social media strategy, pricing models, and financial planning.
Diverse Ideas, Real Opportunities
Eight participants completed the inaugural cohort, which met for six Saturday sessions and provided hands-on instruction, mentoring, and practical tools for launching or strengthening a small business.
This first group of AIM students reflected the breadth of entrepreneurial talent in McDowell County. Participants represented a wide range of business concepts and industries, including:
- A homestead farm producing artisan breads and specialty items
- A residential and commercial cleaning service seeking growth strategies
- A counseling practice expanding toward a multi-provider model
- A specialty ice cream venture paired with children’s book publishing
- A proposed family entertainment business featuring miniature golf and recreational activities
The diversity of business types demonstrates that the program supports entrepreneurs at many stages—from early idea development to expansion planning.
AIM and G.E.M.: Complementary Pathways
Entrepreneurs may participate in both AIM and the Small Business Center’s Growing Entrepreneurs Marion (G.E.M.) program.
While G.E.M. provides a strong overview of business startup fundamentals, AIM offers a focus on financial management, sustainability planning, mentoring, and extended follow-up support. AIM participants benefit from a research-based curriculum and ongoing engagement designed to support long-term success.
Program Focused on Sustainable Business Growth
“AIM gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to leverage resources and support that many of them would not otherwise have access to. We see talented people who are highly skilled in their craft or profession, but running a successful business requires understanding pricing, cash flow, financial statements, taxes, sustainability, and other key entrepreneurial competencies. This program helps them build the business skills needed to turn their ideas into long-term, successful ventures.”
“At McDowell Technical Community College, we believe entrepreneurship is a powerful pathway to opportunity, economic growth, and generational stability. The Accelerate and Innovate Bootcamp reflects our commitment to removing financial barriers and providing the knowledge, mentoring, and resources needed to help individuals build strong businesses that strengthen our local economy.”
Register for the August Cohort
The next AIM cohort is scheduled to begin in August, and registration is now open. AIM is currently offered at no cost to participants. While the program carries an estimated value of $625, all fees are currently waived through grant and partner support.
Individuals interested in starting a business, growing an existing venture, or exploring an entrepreneurial idea are encouraged to apply for the August AIM cohort. No prior business experience is required—only the drive to succeed.
For more information or to register, visit mcdowelltech.edu/small-business-center or contact Terry Valentino at 828-652-0634 or tnvalentino08@go.mcdowelltech.edu.
